This is the best we could have hoped for through 11 days in Brazil - the 2014 FIFA World Cup is captivating the sporting world in ways its 2010 iteration did not.
Robin van Persie’s stunning header against Spain. John Brooks’ historic winner against Ghana. Switzerland’s last gap stunner versus Ecuador.
The list goes on.
Costa Rica beats Italy, and qualifies for the final 16. Iran nearly holds off Lionel Messi and Argentina. Germany and Ghana treat us to the best 45 minutes of soccer we’ve seen in Brazil. Spain and England crash out early. Cristiano Ronaldo’s mesmerizing cross against the Americans.
Julio Cesar and Brazil will advance to the knockout round with a win over Cameroon on Monday. With the way the Indomitable Lions have fallen apart in the last week, featuring Alex Song and Benoit Assou-Ekotto doing their best to embarrass themselves and their country, Felipe Scolari must feel confident his side will progress.
With some groups still in flux, here are the most important games this week.
June 23 2014 - Mexico vs. Croatia - Arena Pernambuco, Recife - 4:00 pm EST
Group A will be decided on Monday, with Brazil eyeing a cupcake fixture against Cameroon. Stranger things have happened, and this World Cup has been rather crazy, but let’s assume the hosts prevail. Croatia will need to defeat Mexico to advance, while a draw would do the trick for El Tri. Mario Mandzukic’s return to the lineup against Cameroon gave Niko Kovac’s side a lethal finisher up front. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa stole the show against Brazil. Something has to give in Recife.
June 24 2014 - Italy vs. Uruguay - Estádio das Dunas, Natal - 12:00 pm EST
So we all had Costa Rica topping Group D when the tournament began, right? Didn’t think so. England is out, leaving Italy and Uruguay to battle for the group’s other spot in the knockout round. Luis Suarez at 50% remains better than most, as evidenced by his world-class performance against the Three Lions. A draw would put the Italians through, but Cesare Prandelli will likely be without the services of midfielder Daniele De Rossi due to a leg injury.
June 24 2014 - Greece vs. Cote D’Ivoire - Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza - 4:00 pm EST
Colombia is the class of Group C, but who will join them in the round of 16? Japan and Greece combined to create one of the dullest games of the tournament. Cote D’Ivoire can secure their first place in the final 16 with a win in Fortaleza. If Greece wins, and Japan beats Colombia, then we’re in for all sort of wacky equations. This generation of Ivorians, led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, are far too talented to not prevail, but we’ve said that before only to be proven wrong.
June 25 2014 - France vs. Ecuador - Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - 4:00 pm EST
Ecuador will wonder how different things could be if they hadn’t lost at the death against Switzerland. Now they face the daunting task of beating a French team that is looking incredibly dangerous in Brazil. Switzerland faces Honduras in their final Group E clash, and you have to like the Europeans’ chances there. Ecuador will need Enner Valencia to keep scoring at a ridiculous clip if they want a chance in Rio.
June 26 2014 - Germany vs. United States - Arena Pernambuco, Recife - 12:00 pm EST
A draw would see both teams advance to the final 16 after a wild weekend saw a pair of 2-2 draws in Group G. The U.S. team features a number of German born players and a former German national team coach in Jurgen Klinsmann. The storylines write themselves. Get your popcorn ready.
If the next four days are anything like the first 11, we’re in for a treat. At a certain point the madness will stop, says the cynic waiting on the powers to reassert themselves. Let’s hope that is incorrect - long live the changing of the guard.
